Melbourne

St Kilda Road has long held some of Melbourne's most iconic residential buildings, going back to the early 1990s when The Domain sold out off the plan.

Now it's one of the strip's most notable buildings.

St Kilda Rd was previously lined with offices in the 1960s and 1970s, which were built after grand mansions were demolished. The conversion into residential developments started at the northern end of the long street, closer to the city.

The most sought-after spot nowadays is the small pocket directly across the road from Albert Park Lake. That's what developer Sunnyland Investment Development Group (SIDG) banked on back in 2010, when they bought the well-known Clemenger BBDO building.

For over a decade the five-level office block at 474 St Kilda Road has been an investment for SIDG. But timing the imminent departure of the Clemenger team to the refurbished David Jones menswear building in Bourke Street Mall, SIDG has revealed their plan for the 4,645 sqm site.

They've just launched&nbsp;Park Quarter, a striking, flora-laden tower designed by a trio of Melbourne's best architects and designers.

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Sunnyland has been working alongside Colliers Victoria for a number of years, putting together the plans and the sales and marketing strategy. They were almost ready to pull the trigger, before COVID hit. They hit the pause button, and waited for the right time to launch, which they believe is now.

Colliers Director Zoe Powell says Park Quarter offers a rare opportunity in one of Melbourne's best locations.

"There's not been a lot of new development on St Kilda Road in the last few years. There's limited opportunity to buy brand new, certainly in this pocket across the road from Albert Park," Powell says.

"SIDG has brought on a quartet of Melbourne's best design team to create Park Quarter, and the end result is something completely different to what St Kilda Road has seen before."

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Cox Architecture, DKO, Carr and Paul Bangay all collaborated on the design, which was inspired by the nearby Fawkner Park. Park Quarter has a Walk Score of 88 and a Transit Score of 92. The new Metro Tunnel will further improve the Transit Score. The Anzac Station will be located on the&nbsp;St Kilda Road/Swanston Street tram corridor,&nbsp;the busiest tram corridor in the world.

Powell is already fielding enquiry from a wide buyer demographic, particularly from owner-occupiers either trading up or downsizing.

The timing of the launch has coincided with the current supply issues in Melbourne, which, in turn, is having a material impact on the rental market.

"The supply issues and rental crisis means you have two more prominent buyer camps on top of what we usually see," Powell says.

"You have investors who are eyeing stronger rental returns than they've probably ever seen, and you've got first home buyers and local renters who are speeding up their saving and purchasing timelines as they don't want to rent anymore.

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"There are a lot of renters who live locally and will be looking at Park Quarter as their first home."

Park Quarter apartments start at $495,000 for the one-bedroom apartments, which start from a generous 66 sqm. Two-bed apartments start from $985,000 and three-bedrooms from $1,677,000.

There are 244 apartments on offer in total, which are located from levels six up to level 16. Levels 17 and 18 will home four exclusive penthouses, each with their own private rooftop terrace with a pool and spa.

The apartments will sit atop a Marriott Executive Apartment, one of the first in Australia.

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Residents of Park Quarter can have access to all of the hotel amenity through a club membership subscription, but they'll also have their own amenity. They will have everything from a 24/7 concierge, a pool, gym, and co-working spaces, to a theatre room and a golf simulator, plus pet wash room, mud room equipped with high pressure wash machine, and smart parcel lockers.

Residents of Park Quarter will have access to all of the hotel amenity, but they'll also have their own amenity. They will have everything from a pool, gym, and co-working spaces, to a theatre room and a golf simulator.&nbsp;

Powell says the fact SIDG have had the site for so long is a huge tick for the project.

"SIDG bought the site when we were living in a different world," Powell says.

"The site doesn't owe them anything, so they can have a very different approach to other developers. We have a string of developers who are ready to purchase sites for their next projects, but it's a tricky time to get everything aligned, from the cost of the land to construction timelines and&nbsp;

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Joel Robinson

Park Quarter launches on Melbourne's sought-after St Kilda Rd precinct

Global construction company Multiplex has reached practical completion on Central Equity’s $450 million Southbank project, Focus.

Multiplex Regional Managing Director Graham Cottam said the completion of Focus Apartments was achieved despite multiple COVID-19 lockdowns and additional challenges to construction.

“The completion of Focus Apartments is a testament to Multiplex’s resilience throughout both the 2020 and 2021 lockdowns, with only structure and façade activities continuing during this time,” Cottam said.

“We are delighted to have completed our 19th project for Central Equity, delivering yet another striking apartment tower to complement Melbourne’s skyline and the surrounding streetscape.”

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Focus joins a long list of projects the duo have collaborated with each other on, including Melbourne Grand, Southbank Grand, Southbank One and City Tempo.&nbsp;

Construction on Focus spanned nearly two years, with 382 workers on site at peak construction periods.&nbsp;

Located at 71-87 City Road, the 50-storey apartment tower soars 167 metres in the heart of Southbank’s creative precinct, adjacent to the $1.7 billion rejuvenation of the Melbourne Arts Precinct, with 591 apartments, in addition to a six-level commercial podium.&nbsp;

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The glazed high-rise tower features an innovative tri-colour window wall system, with pre-fabricated aluminium slab edge covers overhanging from the facade. The modularised podium façade helps blend Focus seamlessly with the surrounding existing heritage buildings on City Road.

Multiplex used custom-built structure screens to reduce the risk of falling objects whilst façade elements were installed. This protective structure specifically assisted in the installation of prefabricated aluminium components such as the slab edge covers.

Focus also provides exclusive ‘all-in-one’ resort-style amenities, including a gym, an indoor heated pool, sauna, luxe private theatre, and an expansive resident lounge which seamlessly opens to an indoor and outdoor dining area with kitchen and barbecue facilities.

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Central Equity Chairman, Eddie Kutner said the duo worked together to ensure the tower transitioned from a building site into people’s homes.&nbsp;

“Focus provides residents with luxury, spacious living in a premium Southbank location, with over 1100 sqm of residential amenity,” Kutner said.&nbsp;

“We have welcomed many occupants to the building who are already enjoying the pre-eminent location and amenity of Focus Apartments.”

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The 50-storey apartment tower soars 167 metres in the heart of Southbank’s creative precinct, adjacent to the $1.7 billion rejuvenation of the Melbourne Arts Precinct

alisonwarters@gmail.com

Multiplex delivers FOCUS apartments to Melbourne skyline

Positioned as a beacon of luxury on the corner of Toorak Road West and St Kilda Road is The Muse, one of Melbourne's most sought-after luxury residences.

The Muse boasts breathtaking city views spanning the skyline across to the Botanic Gardens and Fawkner Park, giving buyers fantastic outlooks from every room.&nbsp;

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Comprising of only 42 apartments, The Muse redefines luxury living, with hotel-style facilities and exclusive club lounges. The stunning 3, 4 and 5-bedroom homes are designed with opulent high ceilings, with floor-to-ceiling glazing filling each living space with an abundance of natural light.

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The interiors of each home have been masterfully designed as a collaborative effort by some of the country's top interior design firms, Bruce Henderson Interiors, K.P.D.O and Greg Natale Design. Each home features modern liveability and timeless style. Urban’s 3 favourite things about The Muse:

<ul>
	<li>Stunning panoramic city vistas from every home</li>
	<li>Generous open-plan living areas</li>
	<li>Exceptional on-site amenities</li>
</ul>

urban.com.au

Discover all The Muse has to offer, with latest technology and upscale amenities.

The largest private construction project to begin in Melbourne since the beginning of the pandemic has officially commenced as construction begins on Riverlee&rsquo;s Seafarers mixed-use hotel and apartment development.

This exciting milestone was marked with a groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, attended by Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Sally Capp.

Icon Construction was appointed as the builder on the $500 million development in January.

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&ldquo;The groundbreaking ceremony is an exciting milestone for the development and we&rsquo;re looking forward to bringing this world-class destination to life&rdquo;, Icon Construction CEO Evan Byrne said.

Situated between the CBD and Docklands, Seafarers will comprise 120 luxury hotel-branded residences atop 277 guest rooms, as part of Australia&rsquo;s first 1 Hotel &amp; Homes.

Riverlee&#39;s Development Director David Lee said the&nbsp;family is proud to have reached this stage following a 10-year journey of developing our vision that truly brings together the surrounding urban fabric and steers Northbank into an exciting direction.

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Colliers also noted the project had the highest level of enquiry over the Christmas and New Year period, and have secured&nbsp;$30 million in sales and reservations&nbsp;since October.

Limited two and three-bedroom residences remain at the development, which has been designed by Fender Katsalidis Architects.

With the retention of the heritage-listed Goods Shed No.5, Seafarers will also encompass Melbourne&rsquo;s newest 3,500 sqm public park, Seafarers Rest to provide open space to users, residents and visitors of the Northbank precinct.

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&ldquo;We welcome this significant development in our city,&quot; Lord Mayor Sally Capp added.

&quot;The Seafarers project complements City of Melbourne&rsquo;s game-changing transformation project Greenline, which will revitalise and renew Northbank.&quot;

Construction at Seafarers and Seafarers Rest is slated for completion in mid-2024.

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Situated between the CBD and Docklands, Seafarers will comprise 120 luxury hotel-branded residences atop 277 guest rooms, as part of Australia’s first 1 Hotel & Homes. 

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Construction commences at Riverlee’s $550 million Seafarers development at the emerging Northbank precinct

Ivanhoe East is a highly sought-after pocket of Melbourne, thanks to the picturesque streets of the north-eastern suburb.

The historic streetscape blends European heritage and modern style, combining community, culture and convenience.

East Ivanhoe Village is awash with charm, a pocket of energy in the heart of the neighbourhood thanks to its shopfronts, caf&eacute;s and independent boutiques.

Melburnians seeking to enter this prestigious market need not look further than JWLand&#39;s development&nbsp;The Grounds, situated on The Boulevard.

The Grounds is an exclusive collection of three apartment buildings, Wilfred, Wamba and the Boulevard, and a limited number of townhomes at Oak Terraces.

Featuring 116 residences in two, three and four-bedroom configurations, the development is primely positioned to take advantage of the range of offerings in Ivanhoe East.

Urban takes a look at six things we love about this suburb.

1. Neighbourhood amenities

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From the bustling main streets to tranquil green spaces, The Grounds residents can offer all that Ivanhoe East has to offer.

&ldquo;At your doorstep, healthy outdoor spaces invite exploring, exercise and relaxing close to nature&rdquo;, JWLand&#39;s Project Marketing Manager Nick Babic says.

Nearby, Ivanhoe Park provides the ideal setting for children&rsquo;s play and weekend sports, while Ivanhoe Golf Club and Chelsworth Park are also around the corner.

Other recreational amenities that residents can enjoy include Ivanhoe Aquatic Centre, Olympic Leisure Banyule or Macleod Recreation and Fitness Centre

2. Cultural hub

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Forming Melbourne&rsquo;s greenest precinct, rolling lawns, parkland and native reserves bring a community together.

The area&rsquo;s treasured heritage has fuelled its modern-day appreciation of arts and culture,&nbsp;previously known as a hub for renowned Australian landscape artists.

The suburb is&nbsp;now home to the iconic Heide Museum of Modern Art, the Courthouse Museum and many independent galleries that dot the precinct.

3. Green spaces at The Grounds

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Within and around The Grounds, a profusion of native and exotic plantings are designed to surround the architecture with calming greenery.

Clusters of native grasses and shrubbery around the base of the buildings give the structures an appearance of floating within the natural parkland setting.

An expansive lawn encourages guests to gather and connect outdoors, while the central courtyard features inbuilt seating and space to bask in the sunshine.

4. Self-contained neighbourhood

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&ldquo;Ivanhoe East offers an idyllic lifestyle balance in a self-contained neighbourhood, where you&rsquo;ll walk to everything you need&rdquo;, Babic added.

The neighbourhood features a range of local caf&eacute;s to nurture the community and a diversity of eateries and fresh food providers a few minutes&rsquo; walk&nbsp;away.

Major retail hubs at Ivanhoe Shopping Centre and Heidelberg Central offer a range of retail and dining offerings.

5. Family-friendly development

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The affluent suburb places community at its centre, with close to half its residents established and older couples and families.

The development is largely targeted towards maturing couples and semi-retirees, mostly local who are keen to stay in the area.

&ldquo;I think people buy in because it will be a community, it won&rsquo;t be a transient place with 50 for-lease signs up all the time,&rdquo; sales agent Natasha Johnson said.

&ldquo;That&rsquo;s the main attraction &ndash; there&rsquo;ll be no investors here&rdquo;, Johnson added.

The median house price recorded in Ivanhoe East by the REIV for the September 2021 quarter was $2.18 million for homes.

This is significantly higher than the starting price for three-bedroom townhomes at The Grounds, which begin from $1.89 million.

6. Proximity to the CBD

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Just 9 kilometres north-east of the CBD, Ivanhoe East delivers a sophisticated, relaxed lifestyle surrounded by established parkland.

Using a network of public transport or the Eastern Freeway, making it into the city is stress-free.

The Boulevard is central to a cluster of Victoria&rsquo;s most prestigious state and independent schools including Marcellin College, Ivanhoe East Primary School, Ivanhoe Grammar and Ivanhoe Girls Grammar.

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East Ivanhoe Village is awash with charm, a pocket of energy in the heart of the neighbourhood thanks to its shopfronts, cafés and independent boutiques

Culture and convenience at Ivanhoe East: Six things we love about the north-east Melbourne suburb

Setting a new benchmark for luxury in Kew East, Quattro Residences is offering discerning buyers the chance to purchase a home from an exclusive collection of uniquely composed residences.

As the name suggests, the development features just four three and four-bedroom residences.

Located on High Street, Quattro has been meticulously designed by Zeno Entity as distinctive homes that are grounded in a harmony between classical refinement and contemporary form.

Urban takes a look at five reasons why buyers&nbsp;are keen on the new development from Providence Properties.

1. Great location

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Set amongst the best offerings of Kew East, Quattro provides access to all the conveniences of everyday living.

From its vantage point near Balwyn Junction, the development is situated in close proximity to supermarkets, caf&eacute;s and restaurants, and great schools.

&ldquo;Whether commuting to the city during the week or escaping to the country on weekends, Quattro is ideally located&rdquo;, the project marketing reads.

2. Elegant architecture

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Designed by architects Zeno Entity, the four residences display a harmonious unity of form and function, curves and angles.

The fa&ccedil;ade features feminine curves and boasts a creamy palette with refined stone cladding.

Exteriors harmonise with the entire residence, with a central lobby foyer that welcomes residents and their guests into the four homes.

The development also features an oversized lift and secure private garages.

3. Landscaped gardens and terraces

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John Patrick Landscape Architects has expertly crafted each residence&rsquo;s outdoor area into a private sanctuary.

The generously assigned residences are surrounded by a lush landscape in one of the city&rsquo;s most convenient locations.

Landscaped gardens and terraces feature a mix of plants to ensure year-long beauty, with the exterior also styled to ensure the residence enhances the existing streetscape.

4. European-styled interiors

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Matching the fa&ccedil;ade, interiors boast a colour scheme warmed with timber, bronze, and natural stone.

&ldquo;Quattro&rsquo;s rich natural tones are a testament to its exceptional quality&rdquo;, the developers said.

Stunning pieces of hand-cut Patagonia stone feature in the European-styled kitchens, balanced with travertine and marble accents throughout.

Bronze accents on door handles and tapware help elevate the interiors, while floorplans also feature marble-tiled bathrooms, engineered oak herringbone flooring and an abundance of natural light.

5. Surrounded by nature

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Surrounded by parkland, Quattro offers an enviable lifestyle for a wide range of buyers.

The verdant streetscapes of Kew separate the residence from the hustle and bustle of the Melbourne CBD, offering a private and scenic lifestyle.

Kew is home to four premium golf courses, as well as the Yarra River, making residents of the picturesque suburb free to enjoy a range of recreational activities.

Harrison Reserve and Hays Paddock provide room for picnics, walks and relaxation, while the Yarra River and its famous Main Yarra Trail lie a few minutes to the north.

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As the name suggests, the development features just four three and four-bedroom residences in Melbourne's Kew East

Top 5 reasons why buyers are looking at the luxury Kew East apartments, Quattro

BEKL has collaborated with Plus Architecture to create a striking yet tranquil inner-city oasis that pays homage to the Royal Botanic Gardens of Melbourne.

Viv&eacute;re, a limited collection of 36 luxury residences, comprising one, two and three-bedroom apartments, sits atop Voco hotel and boasts uninterrupted garden views.

A celebration of life and living as the Latin name suggests, Viv&eacute;re&rsquo;s interiors reflect the abundance of life within its leafy surrounds.

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It features an aesthetic based on natural materials and neutral tones to ensure the seamless flow of tranquillity throughout the sprawling residences.

It is in this way that the architecture, interior design and visualisation practice, aims to honour the Royal Botanic Garden&rsquo;s flourishing garden beds, lakes and manicured tree-lined lawns.

&ldquo;Each moment of this development, externally and internally, expresses an architectural confidence that always keeps the residents&rsquo; enjoyment of the building and their new home in mind&rdquo;, said Plus Architecture director, Jessica Liew.

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The overall design is imbued with a sense of artistry and uncompromising functionality, offering residents a generous balance of flexibility and refined sophistication.

Domestic warmth and professionalism, technology and tradition coincide in both kitchen and bathroom designs.

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The kitchen&rsquo;s state of the art V-ZUG induction cooktop favoured over a traditional rangehood makes way for long, sleek lines and a calming, contemporary aesthetic, while the Verde Riviera Quartzite kitchen island becomes a stately presence within each bespoke kitchen.

Creating a sheltered tranquil feel, the architects aimed to create a dichotomy of strength and softness, with jade green as a pivotal point in the lush residences&rsquo; theme.

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&ldquo;The expression of lightness, layered with shades of muted, earthy tones enhances its textural, grounding effect throughout [Viv&eacute;re]&rdquo;, Liew said.&nbsp;

The seamless connection between outside and inside were guiding parameters of the design process.

The architecturally-distinct project is the third in BEKL&rsquo;s rapidly growing portfolio, with a limited number of residences still available for purchase.

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Vivére, a limited collection of 36 luxury residences, comprising one, two and three-bedroom apartments, sits atop Voco hotel and boasts uninterrupted garden views

How BEKL and Plus Architecture paid homage to the Botanic Gardens at their South Melbourne apartment development, Vivére on Dorcas

Rising nine stories in Melbourne&rsquo;s inner-northern suburb of Carlton, Encompass is the latest residential project from leading developers Frasers Property and Citta Property Group.

The development, under construction by the reputable construction firm Harris HMC,&nbsp;has been designed by Jackson Architecture to present a collection of premium one, two and three-bedroom residences.

Residents arriving at the development, situated on the corner of Elgin and Nicholson Streets, will be greeted by an architecturally distinct building, establishing a unique urban presence within Carlton.

Staying true to the neighbourhood&rsquo;s cultural heritage, the architects utilise &lsquo;masonry stone&rsquo; textured concrete on the fa&ccedil;ade, reminiscent of the original blue cobblestone streets of Carlton.

The building&#39;s form is sculpted by its balconies and terraces, creating a layered effect, and providing a level of privacy, outlook and outdoor living for residents to enjoy.

&ldquo;Pop-out perforated metal clad balconies and staggered anodised window hoods add another element of articulation to the fa&ccedil;ade&rdquo;, the project marketing reads.

The lobby is also framed by perforated metal finishes which continues into the foyer, merging the fa&ccedil;ade with the interior.

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Open and bright living spaces are the feature of each residence, with 2.7m ceilings, paved terraces and balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows.

Oak timber finish flooring and the choice between two colour schemes, light or dark, add a warmth to the home

&ldquo;The kitchens at Encompass are the perfect combination of contemporary style and functionality&rdquo;, the developers note.

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Premium appliances, matte timber-look, full-height cabinetry and dual-tone cupboards contrast against the reconstituted stone benchtop in raw concrete.

Kitchens also include a pull-out pantry and&nbsp;sophisticated matte black tapware to present a cohesive minimalist style. An&nbsp;integrated fridge and freezer is an optional upgrade.

Bedrooms are similarly warm and inviting with built-in robes, wool loop pile carpets and some featuring a study nook.

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Encompass bathrooms follow on from the clean lines and minimalist style of the residence, with feature black fittings, terrazzo floor tiles and a hand-blown Hollywood-style wall lamp.

Creative architecture and considered landscaping mean residents can feel excited whether they are in their private apartments or enjoying the communal amenities on offer.

The development features a rooftop lounge, outdoor barbeque, alfresco dining and lounge areas and a fully-equipped kitchen to provide an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city below.

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Residents arriving at the development, situated on the corner of Elgin and Nicholson Streets, will be greeted by an architecturally distinct building

Inside Frasers Property’s new Carlton apartments, Encompass

Encompass is a new development rising nine storeys in Melbourne&rsquo;s inner-northern suburb of Carlton, delivered in partnership between Frasers Property and Citta Property Group and currently under construction by the reputable Harris HMC.

At the &ldquo;centre of everything&rdquo;, Encompass is located on the corner of Elgin and Nicholson Streets, and the latest in a strong portfolio of premium residences by the two leading property groups.

Comprised of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, the project provides a great lifestyle opportunity for discerning buyers seeking the best of architecture, outdoor spaces, sustainability, and urban living.

But why invest? Urban takes a look at eight reasons why investors are showing interest in this new development.

1. Melbourne&rsquo;s most walkable neighbourhood

Carlton has been named Melbourne&rsquo;s most walkable neighbourhood by Walk Score, with a score of 97 attributed to its convenient local amenities.

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Residents at Encompass can walk to around 50 restaurants, bars and coffee shops within five minutes.

Benefitting from strong local retail and amenity, education and employment hubs, as we shall soon explore, Carlton has it all.

2. Apartment affordability

Apartments in Carlton offer an affordable option for renters with median weekly rents registered at $360 for the year to March 2021, according to Urbis.

For new apartments&nbsp;in Carlton, median weekly rents registered at $410; a $50 premium over older apartment stock.

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This, coupled with a gross rental yield of 5.1 per cent, provides a big positive for potential investors looking to purchase an apartment in Carlton.

Investors are also likely to achieve a better return on investment as the rental market stabilises as a result of ongoing tenant activity.

3. Public transport

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With trams running along Swanston Street, Nicholson Street and Lygon Street, Encompass residents can feel connected to the Melbourne CBD.

The new Parkville station will also enhance the local public transport offering of Carlton, providing nearby access to the CBD and the remainder of Melbourne.

4. Open space and neighbourhood amenities

Leisure and open space are an important part of any neighbourhood, and Carlton is rich with parklands and gardens.

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World heritage site Carlton Gardens boasts nearly 20-hectares of parkland, and contains the Royal Exhibition Building, Melbourne Museum and tennis courts.

Other neighbourhood amenities include the Carlton Baths, which features a 25-metre public pool, as well as a health club and sporting facilities.

5. Retail and restaurants 

Carlton is characterised by its young and culturally-diverse population, reflected in its great bars and trendy caf&eacute;s.

Lygon Street, or &ldquo;Little Italy&rdquo; as it&rsquo;s known by locals, features almost 150 retail stores, including 80 caf&eacute;s, bars and restaurants, many of which are Italian. &nbsp;

Residents are never far from local retail amenity, with a Woolworths shopping centre nearby, as well as an IMAX cinema, bank and clothing stores.

6. Over $11 billion in infrastructure investment

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$11 billion in state and local government infrastructure investment is currently in the pipeline to benefit Encompass residents.

Key projects include the $11 billion new metro tunnel project to improve train capacity by close to 60 per cent and the $9 million University Square masterplan.

The $500 million redevelopment of the inner-city innovation precinct will also serve to introduce a new mixed-use precinct to the suburb that features office space, public engagement space and retail offerings.

7. Great design

Designed by Jackson Architecture, the design of Encompass is sure to see renters seek out an apartment in the new development.

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The architecturally distinctive building will establish a unique urban presence within Carlton and Fitzroy, while staying true to the neighbourhoods&rsquo; cultural heritage.

This extends into the interiors with open and bright living spaces, a paved terrace or balcony in each residence and carefully considered floorplans.

8. Nearby educational institutions

A number of educational institutions are within close proximity of Encompass, including Australia&rsquo;s leading university, the University of Melbourne, which sits along the western border of Carlton.

Several major universities are situated within walking or cycling distance for Carlton residents, including RMIT University, Victoria University Flinders Campus and the University of Melbourne&rsquo;s Parkville campus.

Primary schools nearby include the Carlton Gardens Primary School, Carlton Primary School and Carlton North Primary School.

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Urban takes a look at eight reasons why investors are showing interest in this new development

Why invest in Carlton: Find out why investors are eyeing Frasers Property’s Encompass

Refining itself into one of Melbourne&rsquo;s most sought-after inner-city locales, Brunswick has transformed into an adored enclave while keeping its authenticity intact.

Matured from its roots into a melting pot of cultures and colourful streetscapes, the suburb has become a magnet for artists and artisans.

As evidenced in the various developments that feature in this list, community and sustainable living are the fundamentals of the Brunswick lifestyle.

With a walk score of 97% and dotted with reclaimed warehouses, architect-designed residences&nbsp;and art studios, Brunswick forms an ever-evolving, enigmatic precinct.

Urban takes a look at the top five Brunswick apartments on the market now.

1. Nine Wilson Avenue 
Developer: Neometro

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Nine Wilson Ave forms the final piece of Neometro&rsquo;s multi-stage development, Jewell Station Village, developed at the southern end of Brunswick near Royal Park.

Set to home 58 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, as well as a handful of signature lots, Nine Wilson Ave is expected to play a significant part in the urban renewal of Brunswick.

Designed by architecture firm MAA and local landscape designers Mud Office, Nine Wilson Ave has been composed to emphasise natural light, thermal efficiency and spatial flexibility.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=93019 project_image_fid=183952]

Each residence will have an average 7.5 star NatHERS energy rating, achieved by a recycled water system for landscape irrigation and energy saving LED lighting within the apartments.

Gas-free and fitted with solar panels, the building will be electric vehicle ready, and will have a communal rooftop with a productive garden and shared clotheslines.

2. 4 Ballarat Street 
Developer: Assemble

[smartcode_project:default project_id=94542 project_image_fid=160734]

Located in the heart of Brunswick, 4 Ballarat Street operates on a rent-with-the-option-to-buy model, which has made this development particularly popular with first home buyers.

Brought to life by Assemble and Fieldwork Architects, the Brunswick site was previously a factory designed by Melbourne architects AK Lines, McFarlane and Marshall.

The development similarly picks up on these distinctive qualities of post-war industrial buildings and the predominant terracotta hues of the neighbourhood in its interiors.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=94542 project_image_fid=160730]

Apartments are accented with warm colours and no-fuss design details such as terracotta tiles, hard-wearing benchtops, rich terracotta-coloured kitchen joinery, and chrome finishes.

4 Ballarat St boasts a shared rooftop garden, designated dog park, green zone and planting space, communal laundry, multi-purpose room, multi-purpose workshop, lending library and temperature-controlled parcel room and storage.

3. Brunswick Yard 
Developer: Urban Development Partners

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4867 project_image_fid=159069]

Delivered by Urban Development Partners, Brunswick Yard boasts a collection of 147 residences in one, two and three-bedroom configurations.

Designed by Carr Design and based on a biophilia hypothesis, the residence boasts an abundance of outdoor spaces and is wrapped in a growing green vine which provides fresh air reticulation and privacy.

Central courtyards, an internal garden and a series of garden rooms provide space for meaningful interactions with fellow residents and provide a sense of community.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4867 project_image_fid=159060]

Interiors boast warm palettes and rich materials, with natural grain patterns in the timber floors, simple textures and exposed concrete ceilings.

Brunswick Yard is expected to reach completion in early 2023.

4. Elements Brunswick 
Developer: Alpha 14 Property Group

[smartcode_project:default project_id=103014 project_image_fid=167546]

Presenting a selection of 39 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, Elements delivers personalised templates for a broad demography of residents.

Designed by Plus Architecture, each home provides spacious floorplans with sustainable materials designed for longevity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=103014 project_image_fid=167548]

Like other Brunswick developments, Elements boasts sustainable features, including a 7.5 star energy rating, solar hot water, rainwater harvesting and natural ventilation.

Taking its cues from the vertical garden design in Milan and Singapore, the urban landscape created by Greenscape Landscape Architecture + Design incorporates a wellness garden, outdoor kitchen and barbeque.

5. Canvas 
Developer:&nbsp; ID_Land

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29358 project_image_fid=85958]

Designed by Rothelowman and Hecker Guthrie, Canvas&rsquo; fa&ccedil;ade pays homage to Brunswick&rsquo;s industrial past.

Fitting into the mosaic that forms Barkly Street, the project features 62 apartments in one, two and three-bedroom configurations.

&ldquo;We want to engage with the rich tapestry of built form which has shaped Brunswick into the suburb it is today&rdquo;,&nbsp;Rothelowman architect, Stuart Marsland, said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29358 project_image_fid=85962]

The project will have a rooftop residents&rsquo; amenity, with a 360-degree view of the Melbourne skyline alongside a kitchen and dining space, and a recreation lounge.

The apartments also boast no gas connection, making it 100% fossil fuel free, while communal gardens, rooftop rain water and solar PV offsetting makes sustainable living easy.

With a walk score of 97% and dotted with reclaimed warehouses, architect-designed residents and art studios, Brunswick forms an ever-evolving, enigmatic precinct

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